Sepang Circuit Corners Modified Ahead of 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang International Circuit has undergone resurfacing and corner revisions, including changes to turn two and the final hairpin, before its October 2016 Formula One round.
Sepang International Circuit has completed a programme of resurfacing and corner modifications ahead of the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix, with the most substantial changes affecting turn two and the final hairpin. The work was carried out by Italian firm Dromo Circuit Design and marks the first major update to the track layout since its original construction. Previously, the layout had remained largely unchanged since the circuit opened in 1999.
Overview of Changes at Sepang Circuit
Details of the Circuit Changes
The resurfacing project covered the entire 5.543-kilometre layout. Dromo Circuit Design introduced new kerbs and adjusted run-off areas in addition to the fresh tarmac. The most notable revisions are at turn two, which has been reshaped to encourage more overtaking, and the final hairpin, now tighter than before. These changes are intended to improve both the racing spectacle and safety for drivers and riders. The updated circuit will also be used by other racing series, including motorcycles, which require careful consideration of run-off and grip levels.
- Turn two has been reprofiled to allow for more overtaking opportunities.
- The final hairpin is now tighter, changing the braking points and exit speeds.
- New kerbs and adjusted run-off areas have been installed for safety.
- The entire circuit has a new surface, which may affect grip and tyre wear.
Timeline for the New Layout
The first event to run on the modified layout will be the Superbike World Championship round in May 2016. This will provide an initial test of the new surface and corner profiles for high-performance motorcycles. Formula One will experience the changes at the Malaysian Grand Prix in October, giving teams several months to study and prepare for the revised circuit.
Impact on Racing and Drivers
The revised turn two is expected to create more opportunities for overtaking, particularly in wheel-to-wheel racing scenarios. A tighter final hairpin will alter braking zones and exit speeds, affecting both race strategy and tyre wear. Teams will need to adapt their setup and approach for the new surface and corner profiles when the Formula One calendar returns to Malaysia. The circuit’s changes follow a broader trend of track updates to improve safety and racing quality. Sepang’s modifications come ahead of its 18th appearance on the F1 calendar, with the venue having hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix since 1999.
Sepang CEO Razlan Razali has indicated that the updates should provide new challenges even for competitors familiar with the circuit. The expectation is that both experienced drivers and riders will need to adapt their approach to the revised layout, especially with the altered braking points and the potential for increased overtaking in key corners. The resurfacing and new kerbs may also influence how cars and bikes handle, particularly in wet conditions, which are not uncommon in Malaysia.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
These modifications at Sepang reflect a wider movement in international motorsport to revise existing circuits for improved safety and more exciting racing. Other venues have undergone similar updates in recent years, often prompted by changing requirements for both car and motorcycle championships. As Sepang prepares for its upcoming events, the effectiveness of these changes will be closely observed by organisers and competitors alike. The results from the Superbike World Championship and the Formula One Grand Prix will likely inform future decisions on track design and safety measures at Sepang and elsewhere.
